Roger Johnson

Roger William Johnson

February 14, 1943 - May 20, 2025

Roger William Johnson, a lifelong educator, devoted husband, and beloved father, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 82. He departed this life while holding hands with the two people he cherished most-his wife and son.

Born on Valentine's Day in 1943 in Wichita, Kansas, at precisely 3:33 p.m., Roger never let the exact moment of his birth go unnoticed. It became a personal tradition-often celebrated behind the wheel of his Corvette with a redlined burst of speed on the highway, much to his son's delight.

Roger was a proud "momma's boy" and the son of a minister, values that shaped his life of service and kindness. He graduated from Wichita High School East in 1961 and pursued higher education at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1964. Though Phillips later sought to recruit him back with enticing offers, Roger chose to remain in Tulsa-committed to family and community over career prestige.

His first teaching role began at Union Public Schools, but he quickly found his calling at Tulsa's Memorial Senior High School, where he would spend nearly three decades teaching Spanish, English, and English as a Second Language. Roger's passion for language and culture extended beyond the classroom. He earned a master's degree from Universidad Interamericana in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, during which time he met Guadalupe, his future wife-and, at the time, his professor.

Their love story was as unique as it was beautiful. After a six-month courtship, Roger and Guadalupe were married three times: first in a civil ceremony in Saltillo, then in a Catholic cathedral, and finally, on December 21, 1967, at Forty-First Street Christian Church in Tulsa-a date that marked the official beginning of their nearly six-decade journey together.

Following his retirement from teaching in the mid-1990s, Roger continued to serve others by working as a Spanish interpreter for the local court systems and assisting with funeral services throughout the area. His compassion, humility, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Roger was also a loving host to numerous international students over the years, offering them not only a place to stay but also a sense of belonging and home. He lovingly cared for his mother in her final years and maintained an unwavering dedication to helping others throughout his life.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Guadalupe, of the home; his son, Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Marcoux. His life was one of deep purpose, unwavering love, and quiet impact-a legacy that will endure in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

In lieu of flowers, please support Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma with a donation in his name online at https://cceok.org/ or contact the Tulsa office at +1 (918) 949-4673 for more information on how to contribute and help others in need.